Treating the Land: A Weekend Reforesting the Australian Tablelands

by Rosie Kelly ’24 on April 28, 2023

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“The right tree in the right place for the right reason” is the slogan for one of the most successful tree planting programs and community organizations on the Australian Tablelands. Providence College students who are studying abroad in Australia, along with other student volunteers, had the pleasure of spending a weekend with Trees for the Evelyn and Atherton Tablelands, learning about their tree planting, nursery, and most importantly their community. The Tablelands is home to the Australian rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, which is facing issues due to deforestation and climate change. TREAT was formed in 1982 by Joan Wright and Jeff Tracey, who felt the need to help reforest the land by increasing the stock of plants needed for reforestation. By collecting seeds and growing seedlings in the nursery, they were able to plant 2,778 trees in the first year.

Today, TREAT will plant up to 3,000 trees per planting session, culminating in roughly 100,000 trees annually. The tree planting cycle begins with TREAT’s special relationships with local landowners and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, in which they can acquire land to rebuild the depleting rainforest. There are planting sessions every Saturday in the wet season and weekly meetings from 7 a.m. to noon year round. At the meetings, volunteers participate in tasks such as seed preparation, seed sowing, potting up/on of seedling stock, and plant maintenance. These tasks help support the growth of seedlings and the nursery which will then be planted on these Saturday mornings.

Volunteers with TREAT are able to get a better understanding of the social scene provided for the community. With over 400 current members,TREAT is one giant family; one member explained that it is the only volunteer organization he is a part of in which people continue to return year after year. Some volunteers have been with TREAT for upwards of thirty years. This is supported by the Australian practice of smoko, which is a mid-morning coffee break made for socializing. When asked about what they liked most about TREAT, volunteers unanimously answered that it is the ecological importance of restoring the rainforest and the friends they have made through their involvement.

Ecological Work

TREAT’s determined work cycle begins with picking a site. For example, one program worked TREAT at Masseys Creek. The site is prepped to begin, a process that can range from a day’s work to a week-long operation. This process is not for the weak-minded: a plot ranges from 1,500 trees to nearly 3,000 and each hole is individually raked, dug, fertilized, and watered. At Masseys Creek, approximately 1450 holes were prepared for the following day.

In the afternoon, volunteers finished preparing to plant by adding water crystals to each fertilized hole. These are used in the dry season to ensure the trees are maintaining enough moisture. Fertilizer was also added to ensure the soil was adequate for planting. Additionally, it was very important to make sure the tree species were properly mixed around the property, so they can access a variety of nutrients in the soil and compete less for sunlight or canopy space. Picking the proper trees to border the plot was also crucial, as the edges of the forest are the most susceptible to damage. By increasing the density along the edges, they hoped to provide the plot with a stronger barrier to prevent cyclone damage. By implementing a diverse mix of trees and fruit, TREAT hopes to promote an increase in the local fauna. One example of this is the growing cassowary population within the tablelands. Volunteers felt lucky to encounter over thirteen of the prehistoric-looking birds; however, they have rarely been seen in years past. One of the TREAT workers said the most rewarding part of his job is seeing cassowary, because it proves they are successfully returning the land to its natural state.

On the final day, it was time for planting. Volunteers crawled through the mud, making sure each hole was drained and properly filled in. They were able to converse with local landowners to get a better understanding of TREAT’s benefits to their property value. For example, it prevents erosion, provides a self-diversifying ecosystem with pollinators/seed spreaders, and is easier to maintain than farmland.

Community

For the people of Atherton, nothing beats Friday mornings at the TREAT nursery. With a thriving social scene, educational opportunities, and environmental benefits, TREAT has become a local hotspot to unify the community. Each Friday, around 45 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds arrive with baked goods, seeds, and a passion to make a difference. A key to this is the communication taking place within the community rather than from a higher-up. Many of the landowners take comfort in knowing that the information and advice were coming from fellow farmers. This aspect brought together the community faster than any government project could have. When asked what keeps volunteers coming back to TREAT, some offered joking answers, such as “There’s nothing better to do when you’re retired!” while others explained they found the job they never knew they needed.

The wide range of opportunities and skill sets is also crucial to allowing TREAT to open its doors to all people. One mother and her two young children ran free around TREAT, taking up any tasks they could get ahold of. On the other end of the spectrum, there was a group of ladies living in a nearby retirement home who explained that they no longer have the energy to go to the tree plantings but are grateful to sit and pot, knowing their job is just as important in the tree cycle.

Education is also a drawing factor for the community, which was clearly seen on the large bulletin board in the nursery. There is a range of classes, volunteer opportunities, and other shared interest groups that are open to the public.

It was clear that these people were not just going through the motions, but understood the science behind what they were doing. For some people the processes are beneficial to their own property; for example, if a person brings in seeds, they can take a tree sapling back to their property in exchange, diversifying their land. Many of the longest members began as farmers or landowners looking to revegetate their property.

At the end of the three-day planting process, it was hard for the volunteers to say goodbye. They had grown trees, relationships, and a desire to make a difference. They believe that this is not a job or a chore: it is a rewarding family with shared interests and a passion to save the rainforest.

This article was written by Rosie Kelly ’24 in collaboration with Merrill Willis of San Diego State University and Carly Burns of the University of Maryland.

A Letter to My Home

by Taylor Rogers '24 on February 10, 2023
Portfolio Co-Editor

Portfolio

To the residents of Manchester, New Hampshire:

Hello from Barcelona! Right now, I am sitting in a too-cold cafe sipping on a chai latte that fails to overload me with flavors the way my typical order from Dunkin’ does. The people around me are whispering, laughing, and talking in Spanish, and I find myself picking up on basic vocabulary thanks to my four years of sleeping through my required class in high school. I pick at my croissant as I think about home, reminiscing on my baby blue bedroom that has far more light than the apartment I reside in. Inspired, I whip out my laptop to start my homework, allowing my mind to drift to other places.

Already, I am planning out the places you guys must visit when you see me! I can picture the four of us sitting in the cozy chairs of my favorite restaurant, El Nano Bellaterra, listening to Spanish music that gets even the most stoic person in the room dancing. You would love the concept of tapas, which are delicious appetizers you get before a meal that ranges from patatas bravas to chupitos. I would excitedly show you the ups and downs of riding the metro, pointing out my typical route to school that takes you right into the center of Barcelona. There, you’d all find comfort in international chains like McDonald’s or Taco Bell, which I would gently tell you to avoid in favor of slightly better restaurants.

Absentmindedly, I stir my cup of coffee while I picture the four of us walking down Las Ramblas, where they have fresh fruit worthy of admiration at the outdoor markets. We would definitely buy way more fruit than we need and adore the taste of non-preservative food. You guys would be amazed at how well I know the city and make offhand comments about my navigation skills that magically got better while living in a foreign country. Riding on the metro together would provide me with enough entertainment for the week, and we would have the best time in Barcelona.

Before you guys visit, I will thoroughly explore the entirety of my new home, so that I can take you to the best possible places. While I miss everyone dearly, I promise to make the most of my experience here and continue to text you routine updates. Before we know it, we’ll all be together in Barcelona, and I can’t wait for you to visit me!

Love you all!

Taylor

COVID-19 Fears Postpone Spring Abroad Programs

by The Cowl Editor on October 1, 2020

Campus

Global studies is hopeful to resume abroad programs in Fall 2021. Photo courtesy of global-Studies.providence.edu.

by Hannah Langley ’21

News Co-Editor

For many college students, traveling abroad for a semester or two is an exciting and memorable opportunity. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, study abroad programs across the country had to be canceled or postponed.

On Sept. 18, Providence College’s global education department announced their executive decision to suspend study abroad programs for spring 2021. The decision was made by a task force composed of PC students, faculty, and administrators.

Christian Wilwohl, dean of global education, said multiple factors went into the decision to suspend the programs so far in advance. These factors included the high level of uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to Department of State and CDC guidelines, delays in passport and visa processing, and potential host country conditions and restrictions affecting the studying experience.

Another consideration was the fact that students would have to make non-refundable payments for necessities such as flights, passports, program deposits, and more.

Grace Cleary, assistant dean of global education, stated that while these were all large factors in making this decision, “Our decision was rooted in our obligation to look out for student health and safety.” Overall, issues involving students and different CDC regulations in every country could create potential problems.

“If a student were to experience a medical issue abroad,” said Cleary, “new hospital regulations could prevent local support staff from accompanying him or her to assist with translation and insurance paperwork and provide pastoral support. Students arriving in-country would face quarantines and in some cases, lock-down conditions.”
Although students are upset about their semester abroad being canceled, many also understand the necessity for this decision. Cassie Mirasolo ’22, an economics major with a Spanish minor, was planning on doing an international business and culture program in Seville, Spain this upcoming spring. “Honestly, I’m not surprised it was canceled considering the current circumstances, but I’m very sad about it,” said Mirasolo. “I was looking forward to practicing my Spanish and experiencing a Spanish lifestyle.”

She continued, saying that although she feels like she is missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she knows we are living in unprecedented times. “I know a lot of people talk about their time abroad as one of the best times of their lives, which makes it all that harder. It’s something I was lucky to get the opportunity to sign up for through PC, but I guess we have to make the best of these crazy times!”

While abroad this spring is no longer an option, Cleary is still hopeful for abroad programs in the future.
“Study abroad has become such an important part of the PC experience and the Center for Global Education staff is ready to assist students who are planning for fall 2021 and beyond.”

For those interested in studying abroad in the future, the study abroad fair will be held virtually on Oct. 5. All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who want to go abroad in fall 2021 are encouraged to attend for more information.

What to Know Before You Go: Tips for PC Students Who Want to Go Abroad

by The Cowl Editor on February 6, 2020

Campus

Study abroad students can be seen posing in their favorite PC gear around the world. Photo courtesy of Kyle Fitzsimons ’18.

by Sienna Strickland ’22

News Staff

It’s official: abroad season is upon us. Providence College has given applicants the green light. Students are saving up their money and they are applying to their programs. They are consulting with advisors and other adults in their lives, asking for helpful advice and recommendation letters. They are also, and perhaps rightfully so, panicking.

Getting approval from the College is only the beginning; there is still much left to be done for those planning to go abroad next year, and deadlines are slowly but surely inching closer and closer. People are asking: “How can I afford this?” “Will my credits transfer?” “How will I live?” “Will I be safe?” amongst many other inquiries. Who can they turn to for help?

Dean Joe Stanley and Assistant Dean Grace Cleary are a place to start for students in search of these answers. Working for the College’s Center for Global Education, they get students coming in and asking these questions every day.

“A common concern students have regarding going abroad is paying for it,” Stanley says. “Students have the option to try applying for aid from our Santander Bank. It is our corporate partner on campus, who allocates funds to help students abroad cover their costs.”

Cleary adds her own advice, and it is positive news for students who receive financial aid packages: “When going abroad, you are charged PC tuition, meaning that your PC financial aid package is also carried over. For example, if you receive a Pell Grant here, you will receive it abroad, and some providers, like SIT [the School for International Training] will give you extra funding on top of that.”

What if you wanted to switch studies? Cleary generally discourages students from doing so this late in the process, saying: “At this point, we generally advise against students switching their chosen abroad program, unless there is an appropriate reason, such as them declaring a new major or dropping an old one. One reason for this is that the visa application process can be lengthy, and we want students to have ample time to complete it.”

Andrew Balmer ‘20, talks about his application process, and how getting a visa was the most difficult part for him. “The application process through the school was actually pretty straightforward. My grades were good and I had no disciplinary issues. The difficulty for me was then applying for a student visa for Austria. I had to have multiple copies of a lot of different forms, along with bank statements from my parents since they would be the ones supporting me while I was in Austria, and my passport and birth certificate. I had to take all of these documents to the Austrian consulate in New York. I turned over everything I had and then crossed my fingers. Two weeks later my passport came in the mail with the visa document glued onto one of the pages.”

Dean Stanley gives another reason against switching late in the process, saying, “If students are seeking to re-apply to one of our flagship programs, we cannot guarantee them room. There is a cap limit for each of them.”

The different flagship programs are Civ in London, PC in Rome, PC in Shanghai, EDU in Belfast, and EDU in Florence. PC in Shanghai has been delayed for the semester, due to China being labeled as a level four on the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory’s scale because of the recent coronavirus outbreak.

Another common concern was the safety of the visiting countries. “Every country on our list has been vetted and deemed safe, with consultation from our legal council and committees, as well as informed by rankings done by the travel advisory,” Stanley says.

“We continue to address these issues during our pre-departure orientation event,” Cleary says. This event is held shortly before abroad students leave to prepare them for their upcoming semesters. “There we cover everything students need to know immediately before leaving,” she explains.

In addition to wanting a wider outreach, Stanley says that the College would like PC students to engage in more diverse travel locations as well. “For the PC in Shanghai program, we were offering free housing to give people the extra incentive to go,” says Stanley. Only a handful of people signed up.

This is because, for the most part, PC students enroll in more well-known locations. “85 percent of people travel to Europe,” Stanley remarks. ”And then those people come back and tell the underclassmen all about how amazing those places were, and we see a repeating pattern of who goes where. It helps create this kind of stigma in favor of some countries over others,” Cleary adds.

The deans hope to increase membership in these less sought after programs by first increasing student awareness of their existence. However, other limitations including rigorous course schedules, incompatible program requirements, and extraneous costs for flights, housing, food, and other living expenses, must also be accounted for.

“We still recognize the limitations that keep people from going despite our efforts, whether it be they are unable to fit going abroad into their rigorous schedules, they cannot find a program that fits their studies, or they can’t afford it. We are always there to help a student find the right program for them, and assist in any way we can, especially in pointing them in the right direction for extra scholarship opportunities,” Stanley says.

The Center for Global Education’s walk-in hours are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. in Harkins 215. If you are unable to make these times, call 401.865.2114 to schedule an appointment.

Abroad Scaries

by The Cowl Editor on October 10, 2019

Creative Non-Fiction

people holding out their American passports — Photo courtesy of unsplash.com

by Samantha Pellman ’20

When people tell you that abroad wasn’t real life, they’re not lying. It really wasn’t and there are too many examples I can provide you with to prove it. I’ll choose one, maybe the best one. I had been out of the country for approximately three weeks. Everything was still so new. I was just beginning to pick up how to navigate Paris, but it was time to make my first trip outside of France. I booked a train to Switzerland, where I’d meet my roommate who was in Florence. I was already anxious because there was a transfer I needed to make in a random part of Switzerland to a connecting train. But on top of that, my friend and I had the brilliant idea to book a day for paragliding. The website was almost sketchy; I mean, all we typed in Google was “Paragliding in Interlaken.” All we had to do was put our names and email and then select a time. There was no down payment or even price. I received an email saying that someone would pick us up a half hour before from our hotel to go to the site. Seemed a little weird, but we didn’t question it. The morning came and it was ten minutes past when they were supposed to pick us up. So I called the number in the email. Turns out they forgot about us and were turning around to get us. Things were getting weirder, but we still didn’t question it. Finally, a white van came and we reluctantly got inside. It was a Swiss man, but he was wearing the paragliding company shirt on which made us feel a little better. He drove us ten minutes away to what looked like a little camping site. At this point it was clear we wouldn’t be paying until after we landed, and they knew we survived. They told us to pick out boots and put our bags in a wooden chest. We looked at each other. My friend had her Gucci bag. So we were supposed to just leave our bags with our ID, credit cards, money, and passport information in this random chest. No, that didn’t seem right. But did we do it? Yup. Next we put on helmets and got into a bigger van with other kids who were coming. The instructors were there, all very Swiss and German, rough looking people. People you’d expect to do paragliding as a career. They made us pick out of a hat, the name who we’d be ‘flying’ with. They told us once we get up the mountain, the only way to come back down would be via air. So up we went, up the Swiss mountains. The view was beautiful but we were anxious and experienced motion sickness going up the curvy mountain. Once we got up, there was a path we had to climb up because the van could not get that high up. They handed us a backpack and we trekked up the slippery mountain while it started to snow and hail. At this point, we were having many regrets. But it was too late. To top it off, the weather was not cooperating and the wind was not in the perfect form it had to be in. In fact, we were told it was extremely dangerous and we had to wait it out. Here we are on top of this mountain, setting up our paraglide behind us while slipping and trying not to fall off the mountain. I was too distracted with staying on the ground and preserving my life that all of a sudden I looked up and my friend is in the air. Now I was freaking out. All of a sudden my instructor was telling me to “RUN” and the rest I think I blacked out. Long story short, I survived the paragliding part and made it on to land, a random field in Interlaken actually. And if you thought anything about that story was normal, then that’s a problem. We were not raised to do things like that, but after all it was abroad, and abroad really is a free for all.

London Calling: “Civ in London” an Alternative Abroad Experience

by The Cowl Editor on October 3, 2019

Campus

Students look at the variety of study abroad opportunities. Lilly Hunter ’22/THECOWL

by Max Waite ’21

News Staff

Starting next school year, sophomore students at Providence College will be given the opportunity to study abroad in London, England, as part of the Development of Western Civilization Program.

The Providence College Center for Global Education has been working on this program for about a year, and it will provide a select group of 30-40 non-honors sophomore students an experience of a lifetime. Until now, sophomores did not have the opportunity to study abroad due to the fact that they had to take DWC 201 and 202.

Grace Cleary, assistant dean of global education and the architect for the “Civ in London” program, explains, “The idea was to offer those subjects (DWC) abroad, taught by Providence College faculty members.” Freshmen who are interested in the “Civ in London” program must apply by Dec. 1. Once accepted into the program, those students will study in London for the spring of 2021.

The two faculty members accompanying the students will be Professor Margaret Manchester of the history department and Associate Professor Stephanie Boeninger of the English department. The pair will be teaching the “Battlefields and Home Fronts: The Making of War & Peace in Western Civilization” colloquium. The course examines four different military conflicts over the course of European history and how those conflicts relate to the development of western civilization. The professors will also independently teach “ENG372: Contemporary Drama in London” and “HIS360: Special Topics: From World War to Cold War: England, 1939 -1989.”

The remaining courses that students will be taking will be part of the IES academic center, located in Bloomsbury, London near the British Museum. Joseph Stanley, Dean of Global Education, explained that students can also take courses at two of the University of London campuses, City University and Queen Mary University. As part of the program, students will live in a nice residential unit located near King’s Cross station.

The itinerary for the students is still in the works, but the CGE Deans and faculty leaders are trying to incorporate visits to historical places and landmarks that correlate with the students’ studies.

Stanley explains, “Even though this program is anchored in London, there are many interesting co-curricular activities for students to experience. I think it’ll be a really great program.”

Students will potentially have the opportunity to visit the beaches of Normandy as part of their history class, or attend theater performances, and possibly visit Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Hampton Court Palace. Also, students will spend a week in Athens, Greece, a place that seems to resonate with all parts of Western Civilization.

Peter Palumbo, dean of academic advising, feels that the difference between “Civ in London” and any other study abroad program is the cultural immersion that students will experience. “I know that the professors are very excited to tie in London and the United Kingdom experience into Western Civilization. I really feel like that aspect enriches the process, by visiting these sites and actually experiencing the culture.”

Cleary explained that all costs for these excursions will cost no more than a traditional semester abroad will cost. Cleary further adds, “We are hoping that this program will mimic other study abroad programs in terms of a wide variety of courses for students of many different majors. A lot of the core courses and proficiencies will be available.”

Cleary and Stanley believe that the program will be incredibly competitive, but still encourage freshmen to apply before the Dec. 1 deadline. Students will be able to apply for scholarships as part of this program as well.

This past Monday night, Sept. 23, the Center of Global Education held a fair for students interested in this and other programs. The event went very well, as there was great student traffic flowing in and out of the fair. An additional information session was held at 4 p.m. on Oct. 3 in Ruane 105.

When asking the question of what made the College choose London to start off the program, Cleary and Stanley explained that the DWC abroad committee, which is made up of DWC faculty and members of the Center for Global Education, was looking at Granada, Spain, Athens, Greece, and London, England as potential locations for the program. Ultimately, the committee chose London because of its rich history that seems to resonate with the DWC colloquium.

In order to advertise this exciting program, students in the class of 2023 were notified of this opportunity during their orientation. Stanley adds, “It is crucial that a wide enough net is cast so that we have enough interested students in order for the program to run.”

On top of the London program, the Center for Global Education office is providing a week-long DWC colloquium over spring break of 2020 in Havana, Cuba in addition to a regular, semester-long class. Titled “Cuba Libre: Global Commodities in Caribbean and Latin American History,” students will be accompanied by professors Maia Bailey and Fr. David Orique. The application deadline for this program is Oct. 15.

Palumbo, along with the rest of the CGE, highly recommends that students study abroad, but must keep in close contact with their academic advisor. “Studying abroad is an outstanding educational experience. It is a high impact process that students really receive a lot from, contributing to both academic and personal development.”

Stanley and Cleary encourage students who are interested in any of the programs or have any questions to stop by the Center for Global Education office in Harkins 215. Walk-in hours are held Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Study Catholicism in Rome: PC Offers New Study Abroad Opportunity for All Majors

by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018

Campus

by Kelly Martella ’21

News Staff

Studying abroad is a highlight of the college experience for many, and Providence College has no shortage of global opportunities. Next spring, PC students will have a new option to choose from: studying Catholic theology and culture in Rome.

PC students study abroad through the Center for Global Education (CGE). The CGE offers programs in over 40 countries, allowing students to travel anywhere from South Africa to South Korea.

As listed on their website, the Center has four pedagogical goals: curricular integration, geographic diversity of program locations, program diversity, and career integration and development. While students may be thousands of miles away from campus, study abroad is an extension of the education at PC. The CGE states that “study abroad provides alternative learning environments so students can benefit from new academic perspectives and intercultural experiences.”

Italy is not a new destination for PC students looking to study abroad. Since 2013, a popular program has been “PC in Rome,” where students live and study in the Italian capital for a semester.

Rome has long been a popular destination for visitors, attracting people from all over the world to experience Roman culture.

One of the city’s main attractions is its history. The center of the ancient world, Rome has thousands of years of rich history, and sites such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum are still preserved and available to explore. Vatican City to this day is the center of the Catholic Church, and home to the Pope.

It is also known for its art, not only in Vatican City but throughout the city of Rome itself. Rome also has some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, easily spotted throughout the entire city.

PC’s program will expose students to all of the historical, theological, and artistic culture that Rome has to offer. Among other exciting opportunities, one of the highlights will be experiencing Holy Week and Easter at the Vatican. Faith is at the core of PC, and this program allows students to see it in a new perspective. They will be able to apply the values and experience firsthand the theological ideas taught on campus.

The new program will be starting in the spring semester of 2020. It will be run by the theology department, and students will have the opportunity to earn credits toward a theology minor. More information will be coming soon.

Study Catholicism in Rome: PC Offers New Study Abroad Opportunity for All Majors

by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018

Campus

by Kelly Martella ’21

News Staff

PC students study abroad through the Center for Global Education (CGE). The CGE offers programs in over 40 countries, allowing students to travel anywhere from South Africa to South Korea.

Italy is not a new destination for PC students looking to study abroad. Since 2013, a popular program has been “PC in Rome,” where students live and study in the Italian capital for a semester.

Rome has long been a popular destination for visitors, attracting people from all over the world to experience Roman culture.